Sony Xperia Z1 f finally does the 'mini' thing properly

It's no surprise to hear that the Sony Xperia Z1 is the latest high-end handset to be given the “mini” treatment – it seems to be compulsory these days, after all.

But what does come as a surprise – and a pleasant one, too – is confirmation that the Xperia Z1 f, as it's seemingly called, could finally have delivered what we want from a “mini” handset: the same spec, but in a smaller package.

So far the trend has been for “mini”-branded smartphones to come not just with downsized physical dimensions, but reduced specs too, with the result being a “mini” device that had little beyond the name in common with its full-size namesake.

Xperia Blog has managed to get hold of a NTT DoCoMo document from Japan that showcases the Xperia Z1 f's credentials, and it seems Sony has kept the best bits from its Xperia flagship very much intact on its smaller relative.

The Xperia Z1 f will come with a 4.3in 720p display (the Xperia Z1 has a 5in full HD display), but crucially the Snapdragon 800 processor and 20.7MP camera are identical to what you get on its big brother.

It features 16GB of storage, 2GB of RAM and a 2300mAh battery, while the high-end spec sheet makes the slightly pudgy 9.4mm thickness unsurprising.

DoCoMo reveals that the Xperia Z1 f will be available in various colours, including pink and neon yellow, but that could just be in Japan.

Hopefully we'll be hearing more about the Xperia Z1 f in due course, including whether it will retain its slightly unusual name on the international market.